Sponsor Information

Want to Make a Difference?

The Project Bucephalus teams largely support themselves, mostly through the Teaching Program. However, additional support would make a huge difference to the team. This support typically comes in the key areas of Expanding Capabilities, Funding Robotics Programs, or General Costs – but we’re always ready to be creative!

Depending on level of Support, sponsors can be recognised on banners, website, formal or casual uniforms, and having logos included on the robot! Project Bucephalus can also assist with company promotional materials, Customer Stories, or social media posts. The team could even run activities or demonstrations for staff and their families!

Contact Us to discuss the possibilities.

Expand Team Capabilities:

The Project Bucephalus teams largely support themselves – mostly through the robotics program – and have achieved fantastic results in competitions against teams that are vastly better funded and equipped. Imagine what could be achieved if this barrier was overcome!  Funding to cover the cost of specialised tools or materials can make a huge difference. Areas needing support are:

  • FRC Robot Components: Being able to purchase specialised components (e.g. sensors, brushless motors or vision-tracking cameras) greatly increases the team’s capabilities and performance. $600 would cover the cost of a Vision Camera. $1,000 would allow the purchase of additional motors for the robot.
  • Basic Equipment: Even with access to advanced machining, the basics are still required. Fundamental tools (e.g. hand drills, bits, and saw blades) need replacement and updating. Robot batteries have limited lifespans and also need to be replaced. Any amount of funding in this area would be helpful.
  • Machining Tools: There is only so much that can be built with hand tools and drills. Access to machining tools would do more than anything to expand team capabilities. This includes tools such as a Waterjet cutter, CNC Lathe (or manual lathe), manual mill, or bandsaw. The purchase price of these tools ranges from $400 to $16,000.
  • Discounts or In-Kind Services: Simply having access to equipment or service (or making access easier) can make a huge difference. Project Bucephalus would be delighted to partner with companies willing to share access to CNC or laser-cutting facilities, battery purchase or service, or even 3D printer consumables.

 

Fund Robotics Programs:

Many students are incredibly talented but lack access or financial resources to fully participate in robotics programs – or belong to a group that is missed by traditional STEM opportunities. Project Bucephalus runs free programs where possible but lacks the resources to do so long-term. Funding to run specific education programs would be greeted with enthusiasm! Using our own equipment and course material, the team can visit a school and run a robotics program for an entire class as long as we have access to a room, desks, and a power point! We’re even willing to train teachers so the school can continue a STEM program on their own.

Currently, the team has two main “packages”, but are always willing to look at alternatives:

Complete: ($6,050 inc. GST)

The team will run a 10 x 2-hour classes for 22 students, using LEGO® robotics to teach a standard Introduction material. Once this is complete, the team will deliver a customised curriculum for the remainder of the period. Potential subjects include Advanced Programming, FLL training, Robot Communication & Cooperation, Quick-Build challenges, and more! The ability and interest of the students determines just how far the subject can go.

Basic: ($2,420 inc. GST)

The team will run 4 x 2-hour classes for 22 students, using LEGO® Robotics to teach a standard Introduction material over three weeks, and concluding with an all-in Robot Sumo tournament.

 

General Costs:

Running robotics teams is an expensive proposition – FRC teams can run budgets of $20,000 – $30,000. Material costs are rising, and many specialised items have to be imported from overseas. General financial aid to cover these costs would be very welcome. In addition, there are sometimes very talented students that need a little extra help to take part in the season or compete overseas – a “scholarship” for such a student could deliver a life-changing opportunity.

General funding could be used to cover some of the following:

  • FRC Field Construction: Project Bucephalus runs the only full-sized FRC Field in NSW outside of Sydney, and opens access to all other teams. Remote and rural teams often travel to Wollongong to use the field each year. Building the field from timber costs around $3,000 each year.
  • Consumables: Building FRC robots requires large amounts of aluminium and polycarbonate (both getting increasingly expensive) – not to mention vast numbers of rivets, screws, bolts and spacers. Many components are 3D printed, and specialised filament is often required to create parts that stand up to the rigours of testing and competition. Anywhere from $500 – $2,000 would be incredibly useful in meeting these costs.
  • Scholarship: Project Bucephalus regularly performs well enough to be invited to represent Australia at International competition. Whilst normal season costs are covered for students, international travel is another matter. For many students, being able to travel to an International event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and completely out of reach for their families. Any company willing to sponsor a student to reach this level could literally change a young person’s life. $2,500 would cover a post-COVID airfare to the USA, $1,000 would cover accommodation, and $500 would cover food expenses.